Top 5 Vegetables to Plant in Spring in North Texas

Spring is the perfect time to kick off a new growing season in North Texas. With its warm climate and relatively mild winters, this region offers ideal conditions for a variety of vegetables to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, here are the top five vegetables to plant in spring, why they’re perfect for North Texas, and the best planting dates for 2025.

1. Tomatoes: The Classic Spring Favorite

Tomatoes are a must-have in any North Texas garden. They thrive in the warm temperatures of spring and produce a bountiful harvest through summer if planted early. Their versatility in the kitchen—from fresh salads to homemade sauces—makes them a popular choice.

• Best planting dates: March 15 to April 15 (after the last frost).
• Varieties to try: Cherry tomatoes like ‘Sweet 100’ or slicers like ‘Celebrity.’
• Why they’re ideal: Tomatoes love the sunny North Texas climate and tolerate the dry spells well.

2. Peppers: A Heat-Loving Superstar

Whether you prefer the sweet crunch of bell peppers or the fiery kick of jalapeños, peppers are a fantastic addition to your spring garden. They’re easy to grow and provide consistent yields throughout the growing season.

• Best planting dates: March 20 to April 20.
• Best types to plant: Bell peppers, banana peppers, and hot peppers like jalapeños.
• Why they’re perfect: Peppers flourish in the warm soil of spring and can handle the intensity of Texas heat later in the season.

3. Squash: Quick to Grow, Easy to Love

Squash is another excellent vegetable for spring planting. With fast-growing vines, squash can quickly fill your garden with healthy, delicious produce. It’s perfect for gardeners looking for a rewarding and low-maintenance crop.

• Best planting dates: March 20 to April 30.
• Great options: Zucchini and yellow summer squash.
• Why they thrive: They germinate quickly in the warm soil and produce prolifically in North Texas’ long growing season.

4. Green Beans: A Dependable Harvest

Green beans are a reliable spring crop, providing a fresh, crunchy harvest in just a few weeks. They’re great for smaller spaces since they can grow as bush beans or climb up poles for a vertical garden.

• Best planting dates: March 15 to April 15.
• Varieties to consider: Bush beans like ‘Blue Lake’ or pole beans like ‘Kentucky Wonder.’
• Why they’re great: Green beans grow quickly and don’t require much fuss, making them a staple for North Texas gardeners.

5. Cucumbers: The Cool, Refreshing Option

Cucumbers are another spring favorite that thrives in North Texas gardens. Their crisp texture and refreshing taste make them a perfect addition to salads, pickles, and summer beverages.

• Best planting dates: March 20 to April 20.
• Types to try: Slicing cucumbers like ‘Marketmore’ or pickling varieties like ‘Boston Pickling.’
• Why they’re perfect: Cucumbers grow vigorously in warm weather and do well with a trellis for efficient use of space.

Tips for a Successful Spring Garden

To ensure your garden flourishes, keep the following in mind:

• Prepare your soil: Enrich it with compost or organic matter to provide essential nutrients.
• Time your planting: Aim to plant after the last frost, typically mid to late March in North Texas.
• Water wisely: Keep your soil moist but not waterlogged, especially as the temperature rises.

Spring is the time to embrace the joy of gardening, and with these five vegetables, you’re well on your way to a productive and delicious growing season in North Texas. Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh produce or explore new recipes, these crops are bound to bring flavor and fulfillment to your gardening journey.